Gulu District Takes Action Against Deforestation: 2,000 Trees to Hit Schools

13 February 2026, 6:45 pm

By Gift Okello

Gulu District launches massive tree-planting drive, targeting over 2,000 trees in schools to fight deforestation. Speaking to our reporter on Friday 13th February 2026, James Ocaka, the district Forestry Officer, said the initiative aims to replace trees lost to charcoal burning, adding that planting will begin once the rains return to ensure the seedlings survive. The program comes ahead of Forest Day, set for 12 March 2026

Rwot Yusuf Adek welcomed the move, calling for the exercise to extend beyond schools to chiefdoms to support wider re-greening efforts.

On the other hand, Richard Onen, a resident of Laroo-Pecce Division in Gulu City, urged community members to actively participate in tree planting to safeguard the environment for future generations.

In a related development, Alfred Okwonga, Gulu City Mayor, cautioned residents against wetland degradation and encouraged tree planting as a sustainable way to conserve the environment and protect the city’s natural resources.

Meanwhile Denis Odongping, a teacher at Angaya Primary School, emphasized that environmental conservation should not be left to authorities alone, urging individuals to plant trees in their homes and communities.

Last year, the Uganda National Oil Company launched a large-scale tree-planting campaign across Northern Uganda, targeting more than 5,000 indigenous trees, beginning at Ker Kwaro Acholi Palace, as part of its climate action and environmental sustainability efforts.